Urban Waterways

This striking and extremely well executed image earns my top spot in this contest. The composition is fantastic, with the snaking bridge running into the scene on a diagonal overhead, pulling the viewer into the scene. My eye is first drawn to the waterfront buildings and boats on the left of the frame, before the eye wanders to explore the scene on the right. Clarity and focus is superb, with details captured even in the distance. I love the colours too, which are nice and bright but have avoided being garish. Retaining colour in the sky prevents the image being oppressive, as may have happened if we had been trapped in by a totally black sky. Congratulations on your winning image.

Some may find this image a little overwhelming, with the bold colours and the very busy composition. However I love it, as it provides so much for the eye to explore and enjoy, and starts to take on quite an abstract look. The light looks possibly to be the golden light towards the end of the day, enriching the colours of the brickwork and buildings. The reflections add further to the complex scene, with enough breaks in the reflection caused by movement of the water to prevent ths image looking like a flipped mirror image. A wonderful impactful scene. Congratulations on your third place finish.

I love the sense of stillness and calm that this wintery image conveys. The properties sit close to the riverside, reflecting in the calm waters giving great balance to the composition. What I especially like are the cool colours that dominate the shot, with little pops of warm golden light from the thin lines of artificial lights surrounding the rooflines and windows. Beautiful capture of a serene riverside scene. Congratulations on your second place finish.

A lovely image, captured looking down the Tyne towards the centre of Newcastle. Looking to be captured in the blue hour with the sun just below the horizon, we get the benefit of a combination of atmosphere provided by the artificial lights, along with plenty of colour and lightness in the sky. Composition looks to have been very carefully considered, framing the river scene beyond through part of the structure of the Millennium bridge. Great work, well done on your top ten placing.

This image was a late entry into my top ten, but is one I like and appreciate more the more I look. Although beautiful, some of the narrow canals in Venice can appear a little gloomy and oppressive, but this image is just the opposite, with a lightness and brightness and lovely airy feel. I love the pastel colours, and the light green of the water with its gentle reflections. Composition is simple but effective, with the attractive bridge being a focal point. Great image, well done on your top ten placing.